Back in 2009, the rules governing young lorry drivers changed to allow those as young as 18 to get behind the wheel. “I was over the moon,” said the excited son of a waste company-owning father. “It’s just better money, it’s just better everything.” Fast-forward seven years and the desire for people to become lorry drivers is as strong as ever.
It’s not always the obvious career choice. In a world of app developers, consultants, freelancing bloggers and reality stars, travelling the country in an HGV might be the last thing on people’s minds.
You could be missing a trick, though. A career in lorry driving can be incredibly rewarding both financially and personally. I’ve picked out 6 reasons why you should consider becoming a lorry driver.
- It’ll make you a better driver
Driving HGVs is a specific skill you’ll learn with dedication and practice. That’s why separate lessons and tests must be taken, but by gaining the necessary qualifications to drive lorries and clocking up real-world miles on the nation’s motorways, you’ll make yourself a better driver overall. You’ll be more alert, more attuned to the driving conditions and ultra-aware of those around you. That’s a very good thing indeed.
- It’s a lifestyle
It might sound implausible, but many a truck driver will view their life behind the wheel of an HGV as a lifestyle rather than an out-and-out job. Long hours and sleeping in the cab will become a lifestyle, like it or not, therefore choosing this career path purely for the money will likely lead to disappointment. You have to want to live the life of a trucker.
- You’ll be joining a friendly community
Roadside cafes, service stations, overnight locations – lorry drivers inhabit a world few of us are aware exists. It’s a vibrant, friendly community, too, with truckers keen to look out for one another and provide that much-needed company during long jaunts. The characters you’ll come across and friends you’ll make as a result of lorry driving will stay with you for a lifetime.
- You’ll contribute significantly to the economy
Stuff needs moving. Goods need transporting. By providing the wheels and heavy lifting to do so, you’ll be contributing to the world economy in a big way. That’ll feel good as you trundle down the M1 past the myriad of travelling executives moving from one meaningless meeting to the next.
- The country will shrink
Bear with me on this one. It’s true; the number of miles you’ll put under your wheels means the country will feel like is has contracted. Long journeys will seemingly decrease in length and, as a result, you’ll get to experience parts of the UK you may otherwise have overlooked. You’re not just driving a truck – you’re exploring!
- You get to play with the biggest toys
Let’s be honest, we’ve all still got that kid in us who used to ‘brum’ toy trucks endlessly up and down the living room carpet. By taking up a career as a lorry driver you get to experience the real thing and there really is nothing like being in control of 40 tonnes of serious machinery.
Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/toy-toy-truck-concrete-firetruck-350065/
